It was the evening before Jesus was to be crucified that these things
happened which are in our lesson to-day. Jesus sent Peter and John to
make ready the supper, that they might eat it together. He said to them:
“When you get to the city of Jerusalem, a man will meet you, carrying a
pitcher of water; follow him and stop at the same house. Tell the man of
the house that the Master told you to ask him where the guest-chamber was
in which he could eat the Passover with his disciples. He will show you
a large upper room, furnished. In that room make all things ready.” It
all happened just as he said, and they prepared the supper. When Jesus
and the twelve disciples sat down he said to them, “I have longed to eat
this Passover with you before I suffer, for I will not eat of it any more
until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took up the cup
and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves,
for I say unto you, I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the
kingdom of God shall come.” And he took bread and gave thanks, and gave
the bread to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you; do
this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup and passed it to
them, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed
for you.”
[Illustration: THE LAST SUPPER.—Matt. xxvi. 26.]